When it comes to electronic dance music, the Netherlands is nothing short of a mecca. I mean, this tiny country doesn’t just do EDM—it breathes it. It’s the homeland of legendary DJs like Martin Garrix, Tiësto, and Armin van Buuren. Oh, and the festivals? Mind-blowing. From massive techno throwdowns to colorful hardstyle madness, here are the Best EDM and Rave Music Festivals in The Netherlands that you need to hit up.
Best EDM and Rave Music Festivals in The Netherlands
Music Festivals in The Netherlands
1. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
ADE is not just a festival; it’s an institution. Held every October, it turns Amsterdam into the ultimate playground for EDM lovers. Picture this: over 1,000 events happening across 200 venues. Whether you’re a house head, a techno junkie, or just vibin’ with the EDM crowd, ADE is the place to be.
The whole city of Amsterdam becomes a dancefloor. Club Gashouder, Paradiso, and Melkweg are just a few iconic spots. Tickets vary depending on events but start at around €20 for club nights and go up to €300 for a week-long pass. For more info or ticket purchases, visit amsterdam-dance-event.nl.
Top acts like Peggy Gou, Charlotte de Witte, and Honey Dijon performed here last year. Add to that rising stars and underground legends, and you’ve got a lineup for the books.
Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is more than just music—it’s a celebration of electronic culture with panels, workshops, and meetups. Plus, the energy of Amsterdam itself is unbeatable.
2. Awakenings Festival
If techno is your religion, Awakenings is your temple. Held every June in Spaarnwoude, this festival is all about deep beats, thundering basslines, and next-level stage designs. Spaarnwoude Recreational Area is only a short train ride from Amsterdam. Tickets start at €80 for a day pass and go up to €160 for the weekend. Find more details and get your tickets at awakenings.com.
Legends like Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, and Richie Hawtin delivered unforgettable sets. Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve danced to Adam Beyer’s beats under the stars. The stages at Awakenings are something else. Think massive LED screens, futuristic visuals, and pyro effects that’ll make your jaw drop. Oh, and the sound system? Absolute perfection.
3. Mysteryland
Mysteryland is the granddaddy of EDM festivals in the Netherlands, and for good reason. Since 1993, it has been enchanting partygoers with its eclectic mix of music, art, and nature. The festival creates a magical vibe where every turn reveals a new stage, art installation, or quirky activity. Whether you’re into techno, house, hardstyle, or EDM anthems, there’s something to love here.
Located in Haarlemmermeer, about 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Mysteryland offers day tickets starting at €100 and weekend passes for €180. The festival grounds are vast, featuring scenic water views and lush greenery, making it a visual delight as much as an auditory one. Visit mysteryland.nl for tickets and details.
In 2024, Mysteryland’s lineup included stars like Hardwell, Afrojack, Nora En Pure, and Reinier Zonneveld. The festival also hosted a banging hardstyle stage with top acts like Headhunterz, driving the crowd wild with relentless beats.
What sets Mysteryland apart is its whimsical atmosphere and diverse stages. It’s not just a music festival; it’s an immersive experience filled with creativity, community, and a bit of fairy tale charm.
4. Defqon.1 Festival
Love hardstyle? Then Defqon.1 is your paradise. This festival is not for the faint-hearted—it’s high-octane, adrenaline-pumping, bass-heavy madness. Located in Biddinghuizen, tickets start at €80 for day passes and go up to €250 for the full experience. Check out defqon1.com for tickets and updates.
Big names like Headhunterz, D-Block & S-Te-Fan, and Angerfist tore up the stages last year. Hardstyle heaven, basically. From epic firework displays to massive singalongs, Defqon.1 is an unforgettable celebration of the harder styles of dance music.
5. DGTL Festival
Eco-friendly and futuristic, DGTL is all about pushing boundaries. Held every Easter weekend in Amsterdam, this festival is a pioneer in sustainability and innovation. Set in the industrial beauty of the NDSM Docklands, tickets start at €60 per day. Visit dgtl.nl for tickets and event info.
Artists like Solomun, Tale of Us, and Mind Against brought their A-game last year. DGTL isn’t just about music. It’s a full-on experience with immersive art installations, cutting-edge visuals, and a commitment to being 100% circular by reducing waste and emissions.
6. Milkshake Festival
Inclusivity meets electronic beats. Milkshake, held every July in Amsterdam, celebrates love, diversity, and freedom in the most fabulous way possible. Held at Westerpark, tickets start at €50 for a day pass. Get more info at milkshakefestival.com.
A mix of house, techno, and disco—all served with a side of glitter. This isn’t your typical festival. It’s a playground of creativity and acceptance, where everyone is welcome to be their authentic selves.
7. Dekmantel Festival
Dekmantel Festival, often hailed as the festival for music purists, is an event like no other. Held every August in Amsterdam, this festival offers an experience tailored for electronic music lovers who seek innovation and originality. The intimate vibe and scenic forest setting at Amsterdamse Bos create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable performances.
With tickets starting around €60 for day passes, it’s one of the more affordable options for such a high-quality experience. Dekmantel’s lineup in 2024 was nothing short of stellar, featuring artists like Jeff Mills, Helena Hauff, and Four Tet. Unlike mega-festivals, Dekmantel focuses on offering a curated experience, with smaller, dedicated stages showcasing live acts, vinyl-only sets, and experimental music.
What sets Dekmantel apart is its crowd. You’ll find a mix of die-hard fans and casual listeners, all united by a passion for cutting-edge electronic sounds. It’s less about the flashy lights and more about the pure love of music.
8. A State Of Trance Festival
A State Of Trance (ASOT) Festival is a bucket-list event for trance music fans around the globe. Yes, ASOT is one of the Best EDM and Rave Music Festivals in The Netherlands Organized by Armin van Buuren himself, this iconic festival takes place every February in Utrecht. It’s the ultimate celebration of trance music, with fans traveling from every corner of the world to experience the euphoric vibes.
ASOT 2024 was an absolute blast, with a lineup featuring Armin van Buuren (of course), Aly & Fila, Cosmic Gate, and Markus Schulz. From progressive builds to uplifting drops, the music takes you on an emotional journey like no other.
Tickets for ASOT are reasonably priced, starting at €50, and the Jaarbeurs venue in Utrecht is conveniently located for both locals and international travelers. For anyone who loves trance, this festival is nothing short of a spiritual experience.
9. Loveland Festival
Loveland Festival is one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets. Held every August at the picturesque Sloterplas Lake in Amsterdam, it combines incredible beats with stunning natural surroundings. Imagine dancing your heart out while the sun sets over the water. Absolute bliss.
In 2024, Loveland’s lineup included techno heavyweights like Carl Cox, Amelie Lens, and Joris Voorn. With multiple stages featuring everything from deep house to melodic techno, there’s a little something for everyone.
Tickets are priced around €70 per day, making it an affordable option for such a premium experience. Loveland also stands out for its top-notch production, with stages that blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of the park.
For those looking for a festival with soul, Loveland is pure magic. It’s not just a party; it’s a celebration of music, nature, and connection.
Conclusion
So there you have it—9 Best EDM and Rave Music Festivals in The Netherlands. Whether you’re chasing techno beats, hardstyle anthems, or just good vibes, there’s something here for everyone. Pack your dancing shoes, rally your crew, and let’s get the party started. These festivals aren’t just events—they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Don’t sleep on this!